Remembering Robert “Bob” Conrad

Bob was so happy that he knew you during his 91 years on earth and he wants to thank you for being an important and enriching part of his life.

Bob was born in Cresco, Iowa and had a happy childhood with his parents, Ray Conrad and Mable McCarthy, and brother Richard Conrad. Cresco was the idyllic small-town stomping ground for molding a personality like Bob’s. Playing trombone with the Turkey River Allstars, golf, hijinks, and laughter are all aspects of Bob’s rich childhood for a midwest kid.

Bob attended the University of Iowa, then went on to Greeley Teachers College where he received his M.A. in music education. To help with college costs, Bob joined the Army. Later he received a second M.A. in guidance and counseling at Portland State University.

Diplomas in hand, Bob moved to Washington state and began his teaching career in the Bremerton School District in 1959. Bob then moved to the Vancouver Public School District to continue teaching choral music at Hudson Bay High School. Miraculously, he met Margo Wallace at a music educators workshop and the rest is history.

Bob and Margo were married in 1962 and settled into lives as school teachers in Vancouver, Washington for the remainder of their teaching careers. During Bob’s 30-plus year career he dedicated his educational talents to his students at Hudson Bay High School, guidance and counseling director at the District Office, and Jason Lee Middle School. After retiring Bob finally learned to cook in 1992.

Bob’s personal interests included involvement at the First Congregational Church as choir director and active member. He also was the choral director of the “Touch of Class” community chorus in Vancouver, and a member of the Recorder Society. Crafts that interested Bob included woodworking, woodturning, wood carving, building and refinishing furniture. A passion for pets was also a big part of Bob’s life.

In 1998 the Conrad’s hit the road for RV living. During this eight year span, Bob and Margo lived on the open road and met friends from all over the United States. Their home base was in Temecula, California but their wheels kept turning for parts unknown.

They decided to return to Washington state and bought a home in La Conner in order to settle closer to family. In La Conner, Bob and Margo were involved with several choral groups and enjoyed continuing their deep connections with others. Bob is grateful to the Skagit Chorale, Contabile, and Shelter Bay Chorus for the musical journey. These choral groups inspired and challenged Bob in several ways and he continued to blend his voice with others.

Bob is survived by his wife Margo, daughter Paula Graham (Dennis), and son Mike Conrad (Barbara). All of us who knew Bob will remember his infectious smile and his dancing blue eyes. The joy that he shared with others will keep his memory alive.

In Bob Conrad’s honor, please go out into your communities and spread joy.